Andy West had signed an online petition calling for the boxer to be removed from the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in the wake of comments he has made about homosexuality, paedophilia and abortion.

At the same time, he posted comments explaining why he supports efforts to stop Tyson scooping the award, hitting out at the BBC in the process.

And this morning he has confirmed the BBC has suspended him "pending investigation".

He tweeted:

West had been reacting to remarks made by the boxer which he understood Fury to connect homosexuality and paedophilia.

He said: “My employer is hurting me and other gay people by celebrating someone who considers me no better than a paedophile and who believes homosexual people are helping to bring about the end of the world.

“It is tempting to see him for the laughable idiot he is but sadly there are many other idiots who will be inspired and encouraged by his naive, juvenile bigotry.

“I am ashamed to work for the BBC when it lacks the bravery to admit it is making a mistake.”